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RFID - Radio-Frequency Identification
Manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers
and government agencies are making unprecedented use of RFID technology to
track, secure and manage items from the time they are raw materials through the
entire life of the product.
To spell out a successful RFID strategy,
shipping executives should primarily concern themselves with what is happening
with EPC - Electronic Product Code (more about EPC) and the ISO.
EPC is not a standard, it is the result of a
private development effort started at MIT and is backed by many. Leading
companies must provide EPC-compliant RFID tags on merchandise shipments by 2005.
An EPC is a 96-bit number that can uniquely identify consumer goods at the item
level.
RFID communication is covered by several
different specifications:
EPC UHF Class 0:
Specifies a factory-programmed (non-rewriteable) tag that operates in the
860-930 MHz frequency range.
EPC UHF Class 1:
Tags are one-time programmable (OTP, which means data on the tag can be
updated one time in the supply chain after the tag is initially programmed)
and operate in the 860-930 MHz range.
EPC HF Class 1:
Tags operate at 13.56 MHz and have the same data and programming
characteristics as the UHF version.
By definition ISO standards acn be used
anywhere in the world. Some RFID standards efforts closely parallel the EPC
initiative, while others go beyond to specify how RFID can be used for a variety
of other logistics and security applications.
ISO 18000:
A set of proposed RFID specifications for item management that could be
ratified as standards during 2004. ISO 18000 Part 6 solves the frequency
problems associated with the original EPC Class 1 UHF specification. RFID
tags that comply with ISO 18000 specifications can carry information that
follows the structure set forth in the EPC specifications, enabling users to
take advantage of the EPC numbering system while enjoying the
interoperability and protection that open international standards afford.
ISO 17363 to 17368:
Draft ISO standards 17363 through 17368 define how RFID can be used to
identify different types of logistics containers and packaging in addition
to individual items.
ANSI MH10.8.4:
It is a US national standard for returnable container identification that is
compatible with the ISO draft standard 17364.
ISO 18185:
It is draft RFID standard that is used for electronic container seals for
logistics security.
RFID Standards
|
Standard |
Description |
Sponsor |
Frequency |
| EPC UHF Class 0 |
64-bit factory programmed |
Auto-ID |
860-930 MHz |
|
EPC UHF Class 1 |
96/128-bit One time programmable (OTP) |
Auto-ID |
860-930 MHz |
| EPC HF Class 1 |
96/128-bit One time programmable (OTP) |
Auto-ID |
13.56 MHz |
|
ANSI MH10.8.4 |
Returnable Transport Item (RTI) |
ANSI |
902-928 MHz |
| AIAG B-11 |
Tire & Wheel ID |
AIAG |
862-928 MHz; 2.45 GHz |
|
ANS INCITS 256 |
Item management |
INCITS |
13.56 MHz; 902-928 MHz; 2.45 GHz; 433 MHz |
| ISO 18185 |
Cargo seals |
ISO |
433 MHz; 860-930 MHZ |
|
ISO/IEC 18000 Part 2 |
Item management |
ISO/IEC |
<135 KHz |
| ISO/IEC 18000 Part 3 |
Item management |
ISO/IEC |
13.56 MHz |
|
ISO/IEC 18000 Part 4 |
Item management |
ISO/IEC |
2.45 GHz |
| ISO/IEC 18000 Part 6 |
Item management |
ISO/IEC |
860-930 MHz |
|
ISO/IEC 18000 Part 7 |
Item management |
ISO/IEC |
433 MHz |
RFID Frequencies
Low Frequency (LF) (<135 KHz)
-
Typically passive,
read-only, or read-write transponders
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LF requires a longer, more
expensive copper antenna
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Least susceptible to
performance degradations from metals and liquid
-
Shorter read ranges and
typically larger transponder sizes
High
Frequency (HF) (13.56 MHz)
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Typically passive,
read-only, read-write, or WORM (write once, read many) transponders
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Less expensive than
inductive LF transponders
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Relatively short read ranges
and slower data rates when compared to higher frequencies
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Used with contactless smart
cards
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Well suited for applications
that do not require long reading range of multiple transponders,
suitable for higher transponder-to-reader ratio applications
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Similar to LF transponders,
good penetration through non-conductive materials and non-conductive
liquids
Ultra-High
Frequency (UHF) (868-915 MHz)
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Active and passive,
read-only, read-write, or WORM transponders
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Offer higher range
capability, higher data transfer rates, and faster identification
compared to lower frequencies
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In karge volumes, UHF
transponders have the potential for being less expensive than LF and HF
transponders
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Good penetration through
non-conductive materials and non-conductive liquids
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Provides a good balance
between range and performance, especially for multiple transponder
reading
Microwave
(2.45 GHz, 5.8 GHz)
-
Active and passive,
read-only, read-write, or WORM transponders
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Similar characteristics to
UHF transponders, but with faster read rates
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Cost is often twice as much
or more than lower frequencies
-
Good penetration through
non-conductive materials but absorbed by water and water-based solutions
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Reflected by metals and
other conductive surfaces
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Offers the most directional
signal
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